Rosario D. Riotto

A World War II veteran, Dave served in the Navy from 1944 until his discharge in 1946 as Ship’s Cook 3rd Class. In 1950, he began his newspaper career at the Adirondack Daily Enterprise where he later served as advertising manager. His work progressed at newspapers in New York, Iowa and California; and he retired in 1988 as the newspaper publisher of the Argus Courier in Petaluma, CA, a paper that won the General Excellence Award from the California Newspapers Publishers Association during his tenure.

Dave enjoyed bobsledding as a member of the Saranac Lake and Dew Drop Inn bobsled clubs, was a writer who authored several books, and also enjoyed golf. He was always active in community organizations wherever he lived and locally was a member of the Lakewood American Legion Post 1286.

Surviving is his wife of 28 years, Marilyn Prince Petty Riotto; stepchildren: Dale and Carolyn Petty of Wickenburg, AZ, Cheryl and Steven Wahlstrom of Jamestown, NY, Susan Iwasiuk of Scottsdale, AZ, and Neal and Taryn Petty of Allen Park, MI; five step grandchildren: Lynne Wahlstrom, Sarah and Oscar Wahltinez, Ian and Robyn Petty, Eric Petty, and David and Danielle Petty; two great grandchildren, Amelia and Melody Petty; as well as nephews and nieces, Patrick and Stephanie Riotto, Jamie and Mary Riotto, Jake and Josh McDonald, Patti Tesseny, and their families.

Per Dave’s wishes, no funeral or visitation will be observed. A private family graveside service will be held at the Harrietstown Cemetery in Saranac Lake, NY.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Lakewood Memorial Library, 12 W. Summit Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; or the Saranac Free Library, 109 Main St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983–which was in Dave’s own words “where he checked out Marilyn the librarian.” To share condolences please visit www.lindfuneralhome.com.